Long-Term Embedded Support Offering, Academic Source Access Program
And Windows CE Hardware Design Center Announced
SAN FRANCISCO, March 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today at the Embedded
Systems Conference (ESC) San Francisco 2002, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT)
announced that a new report from Venture Development Corp., an independent
research organization, showed that Microsoft more than doubled shipments of
Windows(R) Embedded operating systems in 2001. In a further demonstration of
the strong momentum of Windows Embedded platforms, more than 50,000 copies of
the Windows CE .NET Emulation Edition have been downloaded in less than
60 days. Microsoft also is increasing its commitment to the embedded
marketplace with several new programs designed to meet embedded customers'
unique needs.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )
One of the programs Microsoft introduced was Microsoft(R) Services for
Embedded Partners, its first support program designed to meet the needs of
embedded developers. The program includes a commitment to providing Quick Fix
Engineering (QFE) support for up to seven years after the release of a version
of an embedded operating system. Microsoft also announced the Windows CE
Shared Source Academic Curriculum Program, a new program which enables
academic institutions to include Windows CE source code in their textbook and
course offerings for the first time. Finally, Microsoft unveiled the Windows
CE Hardware Design Center, a one-stop Web site that will enable customers to
quickly locate certified board support packages and device drivers for Windows
CE, as well as provide information on a new program that provides free tools
to ISVs and IHVs writing device drivers for Windows CE.
"Building on our most successful year ever in the embedded marketplace, we
are excited about expanding our range of support services and programs to
ensure that Microsoft is meeting the unique needs of the embedded industry,"
said Todd Warren, general manager of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms
Group (EAPG) at Microsoft. "Microsoft is committed to continuing the
development of innovative programs to ensure that our customers and industry
partners have what they need to quickly and easily bring their Windows Powered
smart devices to market."
"Based on data from our recent annual report on the embedded systems
software industry, we are seeing very strong growth in worldwide shipments of
Microsoft embedded operating systems, with shipments doubling in the past
year," said Chris Lanfear, Venture Development Corp. "With the recent releases
of Windows XP Embedded and Windows CE .NET, we expect to see this momentum
continue as developers choose Windows Embedded operating systems and tools to
quickly bring to market their next-generation smart devices that utilize rich
applications and services and integrate easily with other devices, PCs and
servers."
Microsoft Services for Embedded Partners
OEMs, systems integrators, silicon vendors and other suppliers of embedded
solutions must provide support for their customers for an extended time.
Customers and partners must be confident that operating system vendors can
provide high-quality support over the lifetime of their device. To meet this
need, Microsoft has created a new embedded-specific support offering,
Microsoft Services for Embedded Partners. Embedded partners can now choose
from a variety of customized packages that include the following features:
-- Dedicated Microsoft Technical Account Managers
-- Microsoft QFE solution support for up to seven years after an operating
system is released to market
-- Consulting services, including product and prototype development
assistance, with Microsoft Windows Embedded experts
-- Opportunities for consulting and training services from Microsoft on
Windows Embedded development
Windows CE Shared Source Academic Curriculum Program
Since the release of Windows CE .NET on Jan. 7, embedded developers have
downloaded more than 50,000 copies of the Windows CE .NET Emulation Edition,
which includes Windows CE source code under the Windows CE Shared Source
License (WCESSL). Building on the success of WCESSL, Microsoft is announcing
the Windows CE Shared Source Academic Curriculum Program, a new Windows CE
Shared Source licensing program designed for academic institutions. This new
program will enable colleges and universities to include Windows CE .NET
source code in their curriculum offerings, including textbooks and course
materials. More information is available at
http://www.msdnaa.net/technologies/winemb.asp .
New Windows CE Hardware Design Center
Microsoft also announced the Windows CE Hardware Design Center
(http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce.net/evaluation/hardware/), a new
online resource that will provide a one-stop destination for developers to
quickly locate supported and certified processors, board support packages
(BSPs) and device drivers, helping reduce the hardware development cycle. New
information on this site includes the following:
-- Microsoft-certified BSPs, device drivers and processors for Windows CE
-- Information on the newly developed Windows CE Driver Development
Program, which includes a free copy of Windows CE .NET to enable IHVs
to quickly and easily develop drivers for their Windows CE .NET-based
solutions
-- Certification guidelines for device drivers and BSPs
-- New Windows CE documentation, including the Windows CE Hardware
Compatibility List (HCL), guidelines on writing Windows CE drivers and
the performance-tuning Windows CE-based device
-- Windows CE .NET Device Emulator
Based on Windows CE .NET emulation technology, the Windows CE .NET Device
Emulator enables users to view embedded projects on any PC running Windows
2000 SP1 or Windows XP without the need for additional hardware. At
approximately 30 MB, this technology enables any customer to evaluate
applications and services written for Windows CE-based platforms without
additional hardware. For example, developers can share their latest Windows CE
.NET-based design image with co-workers or their customers in the embedded
community. The Windows CE .NET Device Emulator is available today for free
download at http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/ (connect-time charges may
apply).
Windows Embedded OEM Technical Seminar Series
Microsoft also announced the Windows Embedded OEM Technical Seminar
Series, a series of 12 single-day conferences held from April to June 2002 and
designed to help OEMs get their development cycles underway and quickly
deliver Windows CE .NET- and Windows XP Embedded-based devices to market. More
information on these seminars can be obtained by visiting
http://www.microsoftembedded.com/ or by contacting your local authorized
Microsoft Embedded systems distributor.
About the Microsoft Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group
The Microsoft Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group delivers the Windows
Embedded operating systems and tools, which are comprehensive software
platforms for building the next generation of intelligent, 32-bit connected
Windows Powered devices that demand rich applications and Internet services.
In addition, Microsoft offers a wide range of programs and services designed
to meet the specific needs of Windows Embedded customers, industry partners
and developers. Windows Embedded operating systems currently shipping include
Windows CE .NET and Windows XP Embedded, as well as the Server Appliance Kit
for Windows 2000. The EAPG is currently working on the development of "Mira,"
which is the code name for a set of Windows CE .NET-based technologies that
will extend the Windows XP experience throughout the home with wireless smart
display devices.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services
and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company
offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people
through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.
NOTE: Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the
trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.microsoft.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, 1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840
CONTACT:
Rob Houston, +1-503-443-7000, or
robh@wagged.com, or Sarah Thomas, +1-503-443-7000, or
saraht@wagged.com, or Rapid Response Team, +1-503-443-7070, or
rrt@wagged.com, all of Waggener Edstrom, for Microsoft Corp.
NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in viewing additional
information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft's corporate
information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were
correct at time of publication, but may since have changed.
Journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response
Team for additional assistance.
|
